Antoni Polkowski, the councilor of the region around the northern town of Elk and several inhabitants of the area are on hunger strike over a land dispute.

The hunger strike is part of a battle between the local town council and the surrounding regional council.

The protesters oppose the Interior Ministry’s decision to expand Elk’s boundaries by 850 ha, which belong to the region that surrounds the town. Elk authorities explain that the town is short of land necessary for housing and investments. The regional council argues that new houses can be built on the land that goes beyond town borders. 

The hunger strike is led by Antoni Polkowski, head councilor of the region. He is supported by several inhabitants of the area as well as three female folk bands, which will sing patriotic songs and say prayers in support of the drastic protest action.

Similar protest was staged a year ago, when Elk authorities tried to seize 2,000 ha of land from the region. After a hunger strike, in which Antoni Polkowski and several other people participated, the Interior Ministry rejected the town authorities’ motion and the borders of Elk remained unchanged.  

“I hope I will survive the protest. After last year’s hunger strike I am still taking medicine,” said Polkowski. (mg/pg)